JOY for the Journey ~ 7b

The Joy of Friendship

My JOY JOURNEY would not be complete without this JOY! I can't even imagine entering 2012 without letting you all know that I indeed am blessed by our friendship via internet through the vehicle of blogging. Many of you, are much more than friends, I am privileged to call you my sisters in Christ. To have found this avenue for me to be in touch with other Christian women means the world to me. I so needed to once again enJoy English speaking friends that know and love Jesus like I do. I love my Spanish speaking friends, but I was beginning to feel a bit isolated or exiled. You each are an answer to my prayers and I believe God chose you and you were hand picked. Who would have known that our paths would cross and you would become such a part of my every day life, thoughts, prayers and embedded in my heart as if we've known each other in person forever... but we will some day. 

"A friend is someone who accepts you - warts, wrinkles, weight and all - unconditionally." Joy for the Journey

I did not need this precious book to tell me about the JOYS of FRIENDSHIP for they are almost as endless as Our dear Lord's love and friendship. I could write pages about the JOYs of FRIENDSHIP and SIESTAs (sistas... sisters in Christ) (because, of course, down here "siestas" are times to sleep... one letter away from fiestas) and trust me, if I was to meet any of you in person, we would not get much sleep, it would be more like one grand fiesta. Well, we won't need to sleep when we do meet, for it will be at one of the grandest Fiestas of our lives in our eternal life... I would not want any of us or our loved ones to miss that!!! So on to what this part PROMISES:

2 Kings 4:8-10

PROMISES ... about enJoying Friendship Proverbs 17:17; 1 John 4:12; 1 Corinthians 12:26; Hebrews 13:1-2 ... about needing each other Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; Matthew 12:50;  1 Corinthians 12:12-12 ... about God's colorful creation Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Philippians 2:1-2 ... about giving to others Luke 6:38; Proverbs 31:20; Proverbs 28:27; Psalm 82:3-4 ... about serving others John 13:34-35; Matthew 20:27-28; Galatians 5:13 ... about reaching beyond ourselves 1 John 3:16-17; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 18:5 ... to help you love others John 15:13; 1 Corinthians16:14; 1 John 4:7 ... to help you avoid comparisons 1 Corinthians 1:27; John 15:12; 1 Peter 1:22 ... about the JOY of fellowship Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:7

I have found thisin each of YOUwho have investedyourselfyour timeyour wordsyour friendshipin meI am blessed beyond measureThank you!Happy New Year!please listen to the words of this songWishing you "JOY in the JOURNEY"
Michael Card
MY WORDfor 2012(shhhh, don't tell if you know)
Of course, I have a post scheduled for Midnight, but if y'all miss it,"A NEW YEAR'S PRAYER FOR YOU" by Wendy BlightA Blessed and Happy New Year!(I should have taken the time to write my own prayer for youbut know that I am praying for each of you by nameas my FRIEND and/or SISTERS in Christ!)

*Part 2 in "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey ~ 7a

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here... 

THE JOY of LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS

(upbeat and lively)

Joy with Newsboys

"There is so much beauty around us, if we will only take the time to notice it" ~ Joy for the Journey

Luke 10:38-42

PROMISES...  ... to help you savor each moment ... to help you recapture each JOY ... to help you look for beauty ... to help you behold the beauty of God ... about finding light for the path ... to help you find JOY in your work ... to help you live by God's priorities in God's Presence ... to help you understand your emotions ... to help you accept your body cycles

Promises found in God's Word, the Bible,... His Love Letter to you ...for each of Life's Little Moments(correlated with each one above)Matthew 6:34; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Psalm 34:8-10Proverbs 2:10-12; Matthew 5:5-6; Ephesians 5:1-2Ecclesiastes 3:11-12; Psalm 27:4; Psalm 29:2Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 27:4Philippians 1:6; 1 John 3:20; Psalm 48:14Colossians 3: 23; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 14:23; Psalm 29:111 Corinthians 10:31; Proverbs 10:29; Colossians 3:12; Ecclesiastes 9:10Psalm 100: 2-3; Psalm 102:1-2; 1 Peter 5:6-7Ecclesiastes 3:1-4; Psalm 139:14-15
What's one little moment that has impacted your life with JOY? Why?
How can you share that JOY with others to help them in their journey?Have you started sharing your journey of JOY?Have you taken a moment todayto seek the beauty around youthat God has placed therejust for your JOY?Share your JOY with meJesus and others
RememberYOUR JOY is CONTAGIOUSBe JOYful!JESUS     OTHERS YOU
JOY TO THE WORLDis JESUS livingthrough OTHERS to YOUthrough YOU to OTHERSshining His Light for His Kingdom


For the Beauty Let us give Him thanks!


*Part 1 in "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey ~ PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here... 

THE JOY of PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD

Each Friday, I set aside, a time away with God (it's our date) ... and I believe with my whole heart, it is this time well spent that has helped me the most on my journey. Not denying, that the other topics covered and the important ones left to come, are not contributing factors in JOY for our journeys... it's just that this devoted special time, where I try my very best to shut off (including tv and internet) myself  from all else and focus just on Him, then on each of the many prayer needs of so many with Fearless Friday and/or Lighthouse of Prayer as well as ministries here and around the world. Ones that God impresses upon my heart for that week or day.

It isn't that Friday, is the only day I pray or seek God or read His Word, that's a daily venture... it's placing Him as the most important part of my day for that day in every way, which gears me up for ministry, on either Fri. evening or throughout the weekend and week. It is time well spent listening to His voice, hopefully hearing Him and allowing His Spirit to fill me once again. Sometimes, I have to do this on other days also, especially in my up hill journey to escape the valleys... 

I 
need 
to lift 
my eyes 
'unto the hills' 
to get my footing 
solid and 

look up rather than down, 

look to Him rather than others, 

look forward rather than backwards,

look intently rather than look around,  

look for joy rather than despair.

This I find in prayer!

He sets my feet 
on higher ground and 
keeps me dancing 

in His Joy!

*"To walk with God, we must make it a practice to talk with God."

1 Samuel 1:2, 10, 11, 20, 24-28

*PROMISES... 1) to help you Praise God Psalm 149:1; Psalm 106:1-2; Psalm 113:3 2) about the Joy of Solitude and Silence Psalm 4:4-5; Psalm 46:10; Lamentations 3:25-26 3) to help you Trust God Isaiah 65:24; Isaiah 26:3-4; Isaiah 12:2 4) about Worshiping God Psalm 29:1-2; Psalm 95:6-7; John 4:23-24 5) to keep Your Focus on God Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 11:2-4; 2 Corinthians 5:6-7 6) about Asking Hard Questions Hebrews 4:15-16; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Proverbs 19:8 7) about Praying for God's Work 1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 8) about Moving God through Prayer 1 John 5:14-15; Psalm 86:6-7; Psalm 6:8-9 9) to help you Pray Daily Psalm 55:17; Daniel 6:10; Psalm 119:164 10) about Gaining Perspective from God's Word Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 119:105; Romans 10:17;  Mark 4:20 11) about Being Refreshed by God's Word Psalm119:103; Psalm 19:7-8,10 12) about Sabbath Rest Psalm 37:7; Exodus 31:15; Joshua 1:8

Part of my Friday Focus also has been building my FAITH FOCUS through God's Promises, made available at 365promises.com with beautiful photos, short devotions and paraphrasing a scripture as a Promise spoken to us by God. The above promises and this full week of my Joy journey has some wonderful Promises also from God's Word that we can focus on as well (maybe they are some of the same ones). It is in digging into Scriptures of God's Word that we are able to find JOY or whatever we may be seeking and claim those promises right from His Word. His Word does not fail nor will it return void if we claim these promises and make them into our prayers. 


*Part 4 in "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey ~ HOPE, COURAGE, COMFORT

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

  

FINDING JOY IN HOPE, COURAGE and COMFORT

"From the winds and rains of adversity comes abundant growth and a beautiful life." ~ "Joy for the Journey"

Genesis 21:14-19

*PROMISES about ... 1) Growing through Adversity 1 Peter 4:12-13; Psalm 138:7; 2 Corinthians 2:14 2) helping you Trade Hurt for Wholeness Psalm 34:18-19; Matthew 11:28-29; Isaiah 35:10 3) Forgiving Others Mark 12:30-31; Ephesians 4: 32; 1 Timothy 6:11; Matthew 5:7 4) Struggling through Heartache Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 138:3; Isaiah 58:11 5) helping you Be/Become Strong in the Broken Places Psalm 57:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 138:8 6) helping when you Walk through Deep Waters Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 23:4; Psalm 56:8, 11 7) Seeking Shelter in God Psalm 17:8; Psalm 113:7,9; Psalm 27:5 8) helping you Wait Patiently Psalm 130:6; James 1:2-4; James 5: 7-8 9) helping you Find Safety in God Psalm 4:8; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Joshua 24:17 10) Learning God's Lessons Joshua 1:9; Psalm 61:1; Psalm 86:3-4 11) Remembering God's Faithfulness Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 89:2; 1 Corinthians 1:9 12) Resting in God's Peace Philippians 4:6-7; John14:27; Jude 1-2

In this "valley" that I have spent far too much time in, I have been struggling to overcome and rely on the tools of HOPE, COURAGE and COMFORT, when I find myself without His JOY.
Yes, sometimes I may even have been hopeless, lacked courage, and wallowed in distress even when I knew that I was blessed, I was in this "pit" ... not so much having a "pity party" but searching to rise above and soar. The only source that gives me "hind's feet" for the high places, comes from the Word of God and the Presence of His Holy Spirit, who is my Comforter, breathing HOPE and COURAGE into this wandering pilgrim seeking the higher ground. I seek my shelter in God and steady my feet on Him, my Solid Rock. I desire to grow through any adversity, and trade hurt for wholeness! I want to learn each and every lesson God wants/ed to teach me through my circumstances. I no longer want to struggle with heartache or brokenness or drown in deep waters. I will wait patiently as I find my safety in God. I rest in God's peace and will never forget His Great Faithfulness to me. Fortunately, forgiving others is a grace that He gives me easily as I need His forgiveness so often that I readily forgive others, even ones responsible for the pain and heartache or no longer around to let them know I forgive... I have forgiven. 
Yes, these are the Promises and the place I linger far too often, but I am learning to press on and find my JOY in HOPE, COURAGE and COMFORT! It's not easy to grow in that place of adversity, whatever the circumstance, we can find that JOY from within... and with HOPE in Him, His Courage and His Comfort we begin. 
Thank You, Lord! Thank You for helping me every step of every day! Thank You for encouraging me and sending others to lift my spirit when I was faltering. Thank You for fresh manna that restores my soul and gives me the strength to keep seeking You first and foremost. You are my Hope! You are my Courage! You are my Comfort! You are my Strength! Yes, Lord, the Joy of You is my strength for each new day! Joy is of the heart! You reign in mine!


*Part 5 in "Joy for the Journey" book

My JOY Journey ~ Contentment and Obedience

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

  My Word for 2011

Seeking to fill my life with JOY still in this last week of 2011

*FINDING JOY in CONTENTMENT and OBEDIENCE

Luke 1:26-28, 29-31

[source]"Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son,and shalt call His name Jesus." Luke 1:31
No greater example of obedience and contentmentthan Mary, the chosen mother of Jesus Christ.Mary made saying"Yes" to God's love a conscious habitLuke 1:38As you read the list of Promises below, just check how Maryexemplifies this in her life, how 'bout you? Do you?

*PROMISES ... 1) about Living in Obedience Galatians 6:9; 1 Kings 8:61; Jeremiah 51:10 2) to help you gain self confidence Isaiah 43:7; Galatians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-12 3) about paring down our schedules Psalm 143:10; Micah 4:2; John 1:16; Proverbs 31:30 4) to help you choose tranquility Philippians 4:8; John 14:1-3 5) to help you praise God all the time Psalm 126:5; 1 Peter 1:8; Psalm 89:15; Psalm 147:1 6) about being content 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Ecclesiastes 3:14; James 3:17 7) to help you reflect Christ's humility Isaiah 66:2; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Proverbs 22:4 8) to help you change your outlook Proverbs 14:26-27; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 84:11 9) about chasing away pride Proverbs 13:10; Psalm 22:26; Proverbs 23:4-5; Psalm131:1 10) about delighting in God's love Psalm 25:4-5; Isaiah 58:14; Psalm 145:2

Honestly, this is probably the most difficult one for me in finding JOY in these: contentment and obedience (and it would have to fall on Weds.). Don't get me wrong, I have learned much about being content and willingly obeying, in fact, gladly obeying... but it still does not mean that either comes easily. The mind and spirit are willing but the flesh is weak, especially when I'm at home, where I should show it the most. Someone thinks that I complain about everything... I sure hope not. 

* "Perspective is all about how we choose to see things."

I'm so thankful that God not only looks at the heart, but He sees my heart and the difference in my USA living vs. my current living and knows I've learned to be content with little. Not that THAT makes one content. But trust me, if you have trouble with contentment and/or obedience, just be a missionary (long or short term) in a 3rd world country, you will quickly learn and be thankful for so much more of the small things. I guess I'm not quite a "Mary" yet.
"The definition of contentment from a biblical perspective is: “An internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances” - Holman Bible Dictionary"
"Contentment and patience are difficult because they are so contrary to fallen humanity and how we naturally think even after we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. It takes constant renewal in the Word, fellowship with the Lord, and growth through struggle to change." ... Bible.org on "Waiting on the Lord"
Obedience in the Christian Life involves listening; receptivity; spontaneity; liberty
Reflective questions to consider:How do you find joy in contentment?How do you find joy in obedience?Is it difficult or easy for you? Which is easier? Why?
Since it's Wednesday, there'sMOREWORD FILLED WEDS.at theInternet Cafe Devotions


*Part 8 in "Joy for the Journey" - Promises, scripture references and quote are taken from this book, which I am doing for this last week of 2011 for my WordJOYJoy posts so far this week:
My JOY Journey ~ Contentment and Obedience (today)
My JOY Journey ~ Positive Living (T)
My JOY Journey ~ God's Plan (M)
My JOY Journey: The Beginning of the End (S)
Joy posts yet to come  My JOY Journey ~ HOPE, COURAGE, COMFORT (Th)My JOY Journey ~ PRAYING and READING GOD'S WORD (F) My JOY Journey ~ The JOY of LIFE'S LITTLE MOMENTS (Sat am)My JOY Journey ~ The JOY of FRIENDSHIP (Sat pm)

My JOY Journey ~ Positive Living

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here... 

FINDING JOY in POSITIVE LIVING

or as some writeLiving Intentionally

"No matter how bad things are, no one can force you  to have a bad attitude"

Joshua 2: 1-4, 7-9, 12-13

*PROMISES  from God's Word  to help you or about: 1) Choosing a Positive Attitude Romans 15:13; Isaiah 55:12; Romans 8:28 2) Refreshed by Simplicity John 12:25; Colossians 3:2; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 3) Speaking Words of Wisdom Proverbs 15:1-2; James 3:2; Proverbs 16:23-24 4) Waiting with Hope Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 6:11-12; Psalm 27:14 5) Refusing Misery Psalm 138:7; Isaiah 63:7a; Romans 8:31-32 6) Rejoicing Habakkuk 3:18; Luke 1:46-47; Philippians 4:4; Psalm 126:3 7) Finding Good in every Circumstance 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Proverbs 16:7; Revelation 22:14 8) Seeking Positive Solutions Proverbs 19:20; Ecclesiastes 9:1; 1Peter 2:9 9) Looking for Laughter and Joy 2 Chronicles 29:30; Jeremiah 33:10-11; Proverbs 15:13; Psalm 144:15 10) Changing Your Focus Job 12:9-10; Proverbs 31:30; Hebrews 12:2

... "Don't gaze at your problems while you only glance at the Lord.Get life in focus!Gaze at the Lord - Behold Himand all your problems won't cause you to grow weary and loose heart."~ Joni Eareckson Tada ~"Seeking God"
I wonder Lord, am I living positively for You or for me? Am I living internationally according to Your plan or with purpose and intention with all You have given me? I choose to have a positive attitude. I will be refreshed in simplicity and humble means. I want to speak words of wisdom and find good in every circumstance. Will You help me? I am waiting with HOPE! I'm refusing misery... misery loves company, but I want no part of it instead I will rejoice, looking for laughter and JOY around every corner as I seek positive solutions.
I am changing my focus! I will focus my faith on Your promises in Your Word, as I seek You, I will behold and reflect more fully Your image daily. I will gaze long into Your face, and not even glance at my problems. I will get my life in focus as I behold and fix my gaze on You. And in doing this, I will not grow weary or loose heart, because Your Word promises me Your power and strength and love!Thank You for helping me to live more positively and be more intentional in what I do and say, think and feel, live and learn from You through Your Word !

Here's a great way to start 2012LIVING INTENTIONALLYYou can't live more positively than followingMORE TO BEwith Elisa's 5P'sCheck it out!


*Part 7 from "Joy for the Journey" mentioned in first post of My Joy Journey!

My JOY Journey ~ God's Plan

*if you haven't read "the beginning of the end", start there before reading here...

THE JOY of GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE

Ruth 1:6-8, 14-16

This little gift book is so filled with great vignette's (is that the right word?) from other books of so many inspiring authors. In this page from "My JOY Journey", I hope to give you a gem from each one's in this section on God's Plan for you, so you will see what wonderful treasures are in "JOY for the Journey". In addition to the Promises from God's Word, they share such wisdom and insights to encourage us to seek God's plan in our life. We each were given one, we each have a significant purpose, just like Ruth in a 'barley field', not only was she noticed by Boaz, but God noticed her: her faith, her faithfulness, her commitment to Naomi, her willingness to "glean instead of grumble" ...

"Will you believe God sees you in your barley field,  your place of difficult duty? God's blessings crop up even in barley fields!" Jan Carlberg "The Hungry heart"

PROMISES from GOD'S WORD about 1) Blessings in your daily tasks Proverbs 16:3, Psalm 118:24, Ephesians 2:10 2) Rejoicing in God's Plan Psalm 16:11, Psalm 143:8, Isaiah 2:3 3) Identifying goals John 9:4; Psalm 25:9; Psalm 37:5 4) Accomplishing goals Philippians 3:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 5) Keeping emotions under control Zephaniah 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3; Galatians 2:20-21 6) Counting your blessings Ephesians 1:3; Isaiah 25:1; Proverbs 10:22 7) Celebrating success Proverbs 31:27-29; Exodus 15:20-21; Ruth 4:14-15 8) Laughing at yourself Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 126:2-3; Job8:20-21 9) Forgiving and forgetting Romans 9:25; Proverbs 8:17; Deuteronomy 7:13;  1 Peter 3:12 10) Giving the future to God Proverbs 31:31; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 1:7

This is probably the only time that I will share so much from one part of this book, but when it comes to God's plan for you, I am passionate that you discover and walk in it. Each of these authors have shared a great wealth of wisdom in a brief snip of their book... I only chose a quote from each of them. Some I know, some I hope to know at least through their books. This is an unsolicited review of a great little book of some pretty awesome treasures to JOY!!! I just want you to "taste and see" who some of these authors are and their books but mostly the goodness of the LORD... long before I knew... He knew and was ready to fill my inner spirit with JOY, another part of God's plan... to fill us with His Spirit and His fruit:

"God doesn't want you to live a mediocre life."

1) Blessings in your daily tasks "For me, one of the greatest frustrations of walking through the "dailiness" of my life as a Christian is that I don't always get to see how the bits and pieces of who I am fit into the Big picture of God's plan." Claire Cloninger "When God Shines Through"

2) Rejoicing in God's Plan "Just imagine how heaven grew silent and God's heart swelled with JOY when ... "Whaaaaaa!" you arrived on earth to become, to be, to live!" Jan Silvious "Big Girls Don't Whine"

3) Identifying goals ... "For the Christian, the ultimate objective might be  to serve God with our abilities and talents,  or to become more like Jesus."... Gloria Gaither "Decisions"

4) Accomplishing goals ... "Rewards are the touchstones in our lives, physically, materially, academically, financially, and even spiritually. They affirm our growth and the alchemy of our hearts." Luci Swindoll "You Bring the Confetti"

5) Keeping emotions under control ..."Don't ever bow to your feelings  because you hold them in such high regard.  Instead,make them bow to your God." Jennifer Rothschild "Lessons I Learned in the Dark"

6) Counting your blessings "It's so easy for us to be focused on the negatives  and forget all about the positives."... Mary Whelchel "How to Thrive from 9 to 5"

7) Celebrating success ..."Didn't you feel relieved and ecstatic at the same time once that specific goal was attained? You're a winner, a success, a victor!" Luci Swindoll "You Bring the Confetti"

8) Laughing at yourself "It's healthy to be willing to laugh at yourself and make light of your shortcomings. ...  Pain dissolves, frustrations vanish, and burdens roll away when I have on my bunny slippers." Barbara Johnson (who else) "Mama,Get the Hammer"

9) Forgiving and forgetting ..." Yet He (Jesus) stayed on the cross and paid the price to offer forgiveness even to those (who) would never admit their guilt or whisper "I'm sorry." Alicia Britt Chole "Sitting in God's Sunshine"

10) Giving the future to God "The thing I keep trying to remember about giving the future over to God is that... it belongs to Him anyway." Leslie Williams "Night Wrestling"

I never knew what a gold mine I had in my hands to assist me in my JOY Journey... "we've only just begun" and 2011 is almost over. These women have shown me how to dig deep into God's Word and their insights to see His Promises just waiting to lead me down a path in my journey to JOY. (By the way, I hope you remember also JOY stands for Jesus, Others, You that's part of God's plan too!)
Lord, Help me to see blessings in my daily tasks, counting each blessing and focusing more on the positives than the negatives that hit me off guard. Show me how to rejoice in all of Your plan along my journey, both the struggles and the triumphs that You knew before I came to be and know so well now as I become, I pray all that You want me to be and live intentionally seeking Your plan and finding Your joy along the way. Help me to identify and accomplish Your goals for me and make them mine, in I surrender whatever is not part of Your plan and ask that You reveal what is, in this moment, for this moment in my journey so that we can celebrate in our successes together, each one a victory and step closer to You, our achievements against the odds or difficulties, only come through You and Your grace over us. Keep me mindful of this. Guide my emotions and may each of them bow to You, not the other way around. May my emotions be used by You to bring You the glory, not put me to shame for misuse of them. 
Forgive me as I forgive others and I "stop pressing the rewind and play" button of the past or 'rehash the past' that is hindering me from receiving forgiveness from You. Keep me moving forward with You. Give me the grace to be able to laugh at myself and make light of my shortcomings, not taking everything so seriously, or being so easily wounded, because whatever happens does not have to get me down, rather keep my perspective where it belongs. For Your Word states that a "merry heart does good like medicine"... and a wise nanny from a movie sang, "just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down..." so sweeten my attitude with a joyful laughter and a merry heart... that is pleasing to You and finds more joy in everything, even when it's difficult to impossible. Your strength will give me JOY. Thank You, LORD! Thank You for leading my life according to Your plan and when I detoured that plan that You quickly use Your rod to bring me back on the right path to peace, love and Joy in You.(just turned all His Promises above into my prayer)
SEE WHAT THE DAY AFTER
CHRISTMAS BRINGS to you from me:God and a GiftofMUCHJOYwrapped upwithabowtoGodin my prayer(I bet you read 'boh' not 'bau')Got'cha:0)



* Part 6 from "Joy for the Journey"

My JOY Journey: The Beginning of the End

In 2008, a very special and dear blogging friend sent me my "first care package" filled with love gifts for me to open for Christmas (no matter if it arrived early or late, it was as if I had received a package from heaven... one of the treasures included was a hand crocheted (I think that's right) angel... and among many other treasures was this book that I plan on sharing parts of, for this last week of 2011... 

Who would have known back in 2008 that my Word for 2011 would be JOY, and that I needed to journey through my grief/mourning to find that JOY? Only God... I do not even think the gift giver realized how important this woman's book of joyful promises written by many well known authors would be needed, but our Greatest Gift Giver already knew that I would need to find JOY once again and share that JOY with others and with you that have seen me through this journey to JOY.

That blogging friend is no longer actively blogging and sadly we've lost touch. Yet, her gift will keep on giving... (and I hope no other blogger sends me any gifts, because I'd much rather have your friendship and sisterhood to hold onto and last into eternity than treasures on this side)... I'm getting ahead of myself, because that's the last JOY I plan to share for 2011... as we say goodbye to 2011 and c'mon in 2012, we're ready for whatever you have in store for us, to draw us closer together and to God. So, I'm not sharing this in the order of the book and only selecting parts that I can without infringing on copyright, I hope (please note: no copyright infringement intended)! 

These posts will be what I gleaned from the golden pages of this precious book and the many authors, but mostly the Great Author of the BEST book ever written: The Bible - the Word of God. I tried to find an image of the book to share but it looks like the have a different cover and this is a gift edition keepsake (I think)... but as I looked for it, I came across another title that looks good and very inexpensive: 

"Christmas Journeys: Finding Joy along the Way"

Guess I'll have to share this one next year!

That is almost what I'd like to call this last week of the year 2011:

"Finding JOY along the Way"

My Journey

because 
during our CAROLING blog hop, 
I believe

I started to find some JOY along the way

in the midst of this 
very heavy month for me, even though it's after 2 years
of understanding my grief and loss,

I was able to start to enJOY Christmas

a little more

So since today is the end of CHRISTmas day, I have chosen this part first:

*THE JOY of WALKING WITH CHRIST

"Let every part of your life - your person, your style,  your direction, your flavor ~ BE in HIM" *Anne Ortlund, in her "Disciplines of the Heart" from "Joy for the Journey"

2 Kings 4:1-7

PROMISES about: 1) Being loved by God 2) God's Forgiveness 3) Being Reconciled to God 4) Making God Supreme 5) Giving us Confidence in Christ 6) Being Genuine 7)  Growing in Christ 8) Developing Godly Habits 9) Serving God 10) Making Wise Choices 11) Living in Christ 12) Reflecting Christ

Each of the above 1-12 had a one page "devotional" written by great authors and taken from one of their books (which will be the case every day this week)... I will list in the boxes whatever comes from the gift book, however on the page opposite from their inspiring words is/are scripture(s). That is what I'd like you to hold on to
GOD'S PROMISESabout: 1) Being loved by God
Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 95:7; 1 John 4:192) God's Forgiveness
Romans 8:1-2; 1 John 1:9; Psalm 85:23) Being Reconciled to God
2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 8:15-16; Colossians 1:19-20
4) Making God Supreme
2 Timothy 2:21; Psalm 10:17; Psalm 18:32
5) Giving us Confidence in Christ
Philippians 1:6; Psalm 71:1, 2, 5; Psalm 118:8
6) Being Genuine
1 John 3:1; Galatians 3:26, 28, 29; Micah 6:8
7)Growing in Christ
Ephesians 4:14-15; James 1:22; John 15:5
8) Developing Godly Habits
1 John 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:24; 2 Timothy 1:8-9
9) Serving God
John 12:26; Matthew 4:10; Joshua 24:24
10) Making Wise Choices
Luke 9:23-24; Luke 10:39, 42; Psalm 19:14
*11) Living in Christ
Colossians 2:9-10; 2 Corinthians 3:4-5; 1 John 5:4-5
12) Reflecting Christ
1 John 2:3, 5; Romans 5:1-4; Ephesians 6:10-11

I pray that as we are being loved by God completely, we will know God's forgiveness and be reconciled to God and others, as we make God supreme in our lives; because He has given us confidence in Christ so that we may be genuine as we grow in Christ and develop Godly habits, making wise choices, living in Christ and reflecting Christ as we serve others and God primarily... with JOY! This is the
Joy walking with Christ gives and brings...

Lord, It is Your JOY that gives me strength! I'm so glad that You want me to have JOY! You have not given me a spirit of fear, but You have given me the keys to Your Kingdom, where I find righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. You have given me Joy unspeakable and full of glory as I receive the end of my faith - the salvation of my soul. The Joy of salvation keeps me going. Thank You, Father.
(Nehemiah 8:10; Romans 14:17; 1 Peter 1:8,9)

Your wonderful Joy gives me all I need to keep on with what You have called me to do. I rejoice in You, Father, because of Your goodness and love. Fill me with Your wisdom and spiritual understanding, Lord that I might walk worthy of You unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to Your glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness, giving thanks unto You, Father, always and in all things. (Psalm 5:11; Colossians 1:10-12; Ephesians 5:20) portions from scripture and "Prayers that Prevail"; Walking in Joy

* Part 3 in "Joy of the Journey"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

This song holds a very special place in my heart because of when it was sung in one of our church's Christmas Presentation of  "It's a Wonderful Life" by the children of the choir members and the "Bailey Family" (which was the Erdmann family in real life, with one of their sons singing the solo) and I was "Ma Bailey". Joe and Lisa and their children blessed me greatly throughout our practices and time together. They will always be in my heart!  and all the rest of my church family!!! I love you!

(Oh and this is not the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir)

Even though this may not be the day He was born, it's the day we celebrate the Greatest GIFT to the world... Jesus Christ, born to save us and give us eternal life. He left His Throne to be born in you!

Happy Birthday Jesus I'm So Glad it's Christmas all The Tinsel And Lights and The Presents Are Nice but The Real Gift Is You. Happy Birthday Jesus I'm So Glad Its Christmas all The Carols And Bells make The Holiday Swell and it's All About You Happy Birthday Jesus Jesus I Love You!

Christmas Countdown

THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS

Hallelujah! 

HE IS BORN!

Luke 1:31 Luke 2 The Birth of Jesus  1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.  4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

To see this in its entirety, you can go to my YouTube Playlist or the Owens

CHRISTMAS isn't CHRISTMASuntil it happens in your heart!
A Merry CHRISTmas to ALL andto all a Good Night!




* If you have never made Jesus, Lord of your life as your Savior, and receive the BEST GIFT that keeps on giving, or had at some point in your life but have walked away, grown cold or given up on believing in the God of your salvation, it'd be my honor to pray with you, or link you to two great places to know Jesus Christ and simple steps for you to take to start fresh again:Proverbs 31 Women's Ministries or Peace with God (Billy Graham Evangelical Association)... it isn't about joining any church or organization(though that's important, too), it's about having a relationship and eternal life. May God be with you this Christmas and forever and ever... 

Today isGLOBALSHARETHE
BIBLE
DAY!
"If you haven’t heard already, THIS Sunday, December 25, is Global Share the Bible Day. On Christmas day each year, we ask the entire YouVersion community to share God’s Word with as many people as possible. It’s our hope to remind both others and ourselves about the true meaning of this amazing day: the gift of God’s only Son. Share your favorite thing about the Bible on Facebook, on Twitter, and especially in person. Check our Global Share the Bible Day website for more details and ideas." You Version LifeChurch